Oscar Night Glamour
For the past couple of years, I have shared an elaborately styled diorama photo in honor of the academy awards season. There was the “Getting Ready for the Oscars” post. Then there was the “Presenting at the Oscar’s” post. This year, I decided to go back to simple glamour and use the newest addition to the BFMC Silkstone Barbie line. She redresses incredibly well.
This is such a Hollywood glamour shot!
For those who wanted a better look at her hair, here you go. 
Happy Valentine’s Day!
I am going to resurrect some old photos to help celebrate the day .
These are some oldies but goodies back from 2012.
Model: Air Apparent Veronique
Gown: T.D. Fashions
Fur: Dimitha
Models: Sweet Confection Poppy Parker and Dynamite Girl Most Beautiful Boy Auden
Wedding Gown, Veil and bouquet: Marie Therese Silkstone Barbie
Tuxedo: Umm….have absolutely no idea. I am running a blank here.
BFMC Fashionably Floral Has Arrived!
Don’t walk to get this one people….RUN! For $50 this Silkstone is an absolute steal.
Fashionably Floral™ Barbie® Doll
source: www.barbiecollector.com
The liner in the box is a soft pink! Adorable.
The new tags have pink lettering instead of blue…nice touch.
Hair is slightly different than promo shots. The hair comes into a curl closer towards the face on the production doll. I advise that you be very, very careful when removing the hair net from the chignon on this one. While it is nice that the chignon is not glued into lacquer hardness, it does mean that it can be messed up fairly easily. I decided to just sacrifice the hairnet and cut it off little by little. I then applied some hairspray and gel to keep things in place. All in all, not too bad.
Does that hat come curled like this you ask?? Nope. Want to know how I did it?
Just curl it inside a toilet paper roll for a couple hours. You will need to switch it around from one side to the other a couple times so both sides curl evenly.
She is a beauty!! Well worth the $50 in my opinion. I can’t wait to redress and photograph this lady.
Beyond the Sea
The news in the United States right now is reporting the amazing and record breaking snowfall amounts on the east coast. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are dealing with typical winter weather…rain and gloom. So, for those dealing with less than desirable weather situations, I decided to go to the beach for a day. I seem to be having a bit of a “Poppy crush” going on with this new convention Poppy.
Yes…I was listening to Bobby Darin as I typed this 
Dark Moon Rising
I posted earlier this week about how some collectors will go back and forth over whether or not to purchase a particular doll. Here is another one that I was on the fence about. She is from the 2014 Integrity toys Gloss Convention collection.
Dark Moon
Poppy Parker™ Dressed Doll
The 2014 Integrity Toys Convention: Gloss
Limited Edition of 500 Dolls
source: www.integritytoys.com
source: www.integritytoys.com
source: www.integritytoys.com
The promo pictures didn’t do it for me and the purple disco dress CERTAINLY wasn’t doing anything to recommend this doll to me. The disco theme is just not what I like to collect. Something about this doll spoke to me, however, and I am glad I purchased her. Here is why…
For photos below
Model: Dark Moon Poppy Parker
Gown: Shadow of Her Smile Poppy Parker
Jewelry: Fashion Royalty Regal Solstice Anja
Obviously I was having some quality time with Photoshop on a few of these shots. I have to say that the facial screening on this Poppy is a bit more sophisticated than the norm for Miss Poppy. We saw this same palette on the Poppy’s that were introduced at IFDC this year. To be perfectly honest, I am not sure I am ready to say goodbye to the dewy eyed fresh faced Poppy quite yet. This harder, more polished Poppy does make for some dramatic photos though.
Mademoiselle Jolie is 9 to 5
When this lady arrived I was so excited to photograph her in her fluffy ball gown. Once that was completed, I decided to do a 180 and cast her in the role of tough business woman. Another inspiration in this shoot for me were the little glass globes. I found these at a little hole in the wall store I love to go to. I had to use them in something and the headquarters for W Cosmetics felt like the perfect place to use them. I hope you guys like this set because it may come back.
Model: Ombres Poétique Mademoiselle Jolie
Suit: Le Smoking Adéle Makèda
Shoes and Lingerie top:Ombres Poétique
Watch:Le Smoking Adéle Makèda
Jewelry:Ombres Poétique
Sunglasses:IT sales room convention 2013 purchase
Purse: Lead Singles Lilith and Eden
Gloves: Hands from Edge Vanessa
Set: Desk is clear acrylic riser. Chandelier is a laser cut paper holiday ornament. Chair is clear 1/6 armless ghost chair.
Love these little globe paperweights!
Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi
Since I am getting back into the swing of things blog wise again, I thought it was well past time to do a Bogue’s Vogues Vendredi. In the past couple of years, I have been approached a few times to submit photos to publishers to help them pitch a book for production. I was approached last year to submit some photos for a book being considered to highlight James Bogue’s work. While the book idea may have not come to fruition this time around, James’ inspiring work is most definitely worthy of it. Here were some of my submissions.
James sells his fashions on his Etsy site at Bogues Vogues originals.
Reverence for the Repaint…Part II
Here is the third and final repaint I received from from the amazing repaint artist Jon Copeland. She was originally a Suite Retreat™ Barbie® Doll.
source: www.Barbiecollector.com
This is what Jon Copeland did with her. STUNNING!
Gown and Hat: Bogue’s Vogues
Gloves, shoes and jewelry: Mattel
Fur: Dimitha
-Rebecca
Reverence for the Repaint
I can do many things when it comes to doll collecting. I cannot do what Jon Copeland does. I can’t even contemplate it. I can, however, observe, enjoy and photograph it.
For those who are interested, she was originally a Mila™ Barbie® Doll.
A Dulcissima Bride
If you look up the translation for Dulcissima it says “Sweet” or “Sweetest”. I think this recent addition to the BFMC Alta Moda collection comes off as more sultry than sweet. However you see this one..sweet or sultry, she is a beauty. While her original Dolce and Gabbana inspired outfit may have not been my thing, dressing her in this Joe Tai bridal fashion definitely suited me and my collection.
-Rebecca
Worth The Wait
Patience is indeed a virtue. It is a virtue I don’t happen to have a clear grasp of most days. When I send a doll off for repainting, I want it back like yesterday. I like to send a doll off to a repaint artist and give general likes or dislikes but I don’t give specifics about what I want done. I usually like to leave it in the talented and capable hands of the artist and I get what I get. I sent a few ladies off to Jon Copeland of SeloJDesigns a number of months ago and while the wait to get them back was longer than he or I would have liked….it was entirely worth it. I received three sublimely unique and beautifully painted OOAK’s that I am completely in love with. I will be photographing and showing them over the next couple of weeks. They are treasures…each and every one.
I am also going through a a bit of a wedding kick ( you know…the whole June thing) so a few brides will be thrown in the mix as well. My bride fetish and one of my new OOAK’s from Jon combined in the doll room this afternoon for a truly enjoyable photoshoot . I had roughly 30 minutes of sunshine today to do this set of photos. I believe I maximized the time well 
Jon….MWAH!
The Art of Redressing
I look at this process as an art form. Others may not but I do. One of the many meanings of the word “redressing” is to set right; remedy or rectify. However you view it, most of us at some point as collectors participate in it…the redress. The sometimes exhaustive process of finding the perfect dress for the perfect doll gives me mental hives at times. I have some definite preferences when it comes to redressing, displaying and photographing a doll. I may get a doll in and while I love the face, the dress does not speak to me…as in the case of my latest acquisition Principessa. It is not that I think the dress is bad. I just didn’t feel it on this doll. Many times the disappointment with a fashion is tempered when I see it displayed on another doll. This happened to me just last night when I saw the Principessa wedding gown displayed, slightly altered, on a different doll. The dress had a whole new life for me.
These next two photos are from the collector and photographer Julia Castro Fuentes whose photos I have followed for years. I love her eye for color, lighting and styling in her doll photography. She has an enviable collection and an even more enviable talent behind the lens. To see more of her fantastic work, feel free to visit her Flickr photostream at https://www.flickr.com/photos/castrojulia/. The two photos below are under Julia’s copyright and are being used on ITFDS with her permission.
© Julia Castro Fuentes Photography
© Julia Castro Fuentes Photography
I realized when looking at Julia’s photos, that this dress had a whole lot of potential. I also realized…it looked WAY better on a brunette..in my opinion. With that revelation in mind, I searched the doll room for a better model for this dress.
And…the sunny window setup. Many times one of my kids holds the reflector for me ( a job that they crankily do for their dear old Mom) but, I also find an extra music stand works really well too. My trusty tripod is never far but many of the shots in this set were free handed…that lovely sunshine makes things easier with that. I used a Canon Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens with these shots.
-Rebecca
Redressed Principessa
I am happy to have received this one and shared some much needed photographs. I love the fact that when Mattel fails to come through with information or images, the collector community steps forward and supplies what it can. Case in point, it looks like those of us who have received this doll first, are posting photos for those who are hungry for more information. Kudo’s to the collector community for “marketing” this doll.
For those of you interested in what this lady looks like redressed and what is happening under that veil…here you go.
Model: Principessa™ Barbie®
dress: Bogue’s Vogues
The braid is not too bad. I am not real happy with how it is left on the side of her face without being tucked in somewhere. I wish it went all the way over and under the other side. That would have been a cleaner look in my opinion. As it stands though it is not horrific…just could be better. You can tuck the little end of the braid into the surrounding hair but you will still see the bulky rubber band that secures the braid at the end. Solution….photograph from the left….or..you could just do away with the braid all together. I think I might do that at some point in the future. For today, however, I just put on my big girl pants and dealt with it.
I thought the hairstyle of this one was perfect for a 1950’s shirtwaist from Mr Bogue. I put holes in her ears ( nope..she does not come with predrilled holes) and inserted some pearl studs. Now she looks finished.
Principessa Bride Silkstone Is In The House!
I really don’t know what is going on with Mattel marketing this year. I have never received a doll before the promotional photos are out. I wonder if this will be the norm to follow. Anywhoo…my fabulous dealer Barb of Windy City Dolls emailed me and said she had this beauty in and I jumped at the chance to get her.
Normally, I put a link in my blog post to Barbiecollector. Since Mattel doesn’t even have a promo shot out on this one yet let alone a way to purchase this beauty…no link to you Mattel. I will link to my dealer instead.
She comes with a little bouquet, a small prayer book and white slingback pumps. She has a little tiara veil and short gloves. One notable omission….no earrings or jewelry of any kind. What bride goes to her wedding without some bling? Just my humble comment but geez guys…you would think over $100 bucks would give you at least a pair of pearl earrings. Just sayin’. I plan on adding my own.
Here face is really pretty. I wasn’t really sure about the glitter at first but I must admit…it is kind of growing on me. I think it will work really well for redressing. And…redressing will be happening here. The dress, while cute, is just not working for me.
The hair is different on this one too. She has a braid under the veil…
The braid is just kind of left there on the right side of her face…not tucked in or anything. I will have to do something with that when I redress. I will go into that in a future post. After deboxing her, the appeal of this one is increasing. She really is quite pretty.
Then I pulled out the big camera and liked her even more 
Pastel Fiorella
I just had to rip those black bows off. I adore the face paint on this one but the black bows, dress and knee socks had to go to another doll.
Model: Fiorella™ Barbie® Doll
Dress: Bellissima Couture
Hat: by the fabulous Judy O of Aponi Designs
Unexcused Absence…
I have been tardy from the blog and I admit it. There are good reasons for it , I promise. For the past three weeks, I have been busy prototyping some items that I am hoping to sell at Barbie convention and through the blog (Etsy shop still being set up) as well. While I can’t show many of the items yet, they are all in stages of doneness in my laundry room…I offer up some sneak peeks at the end of this post. In the meantime, I decided to put Miss Poppy in the window for a photoshoot inspired by the beautiful spring green color that is popping up(LOL! pun intended) all around the Pacific Northwest right now. Spring has sprung in the garden…and in the studio as well.
Model: I Love How You Love Me Poppy Parker
Dress: Bogue’s Vouges ( https://www.etsy.com/shop/boguesvogues)
Here are a few sneaks of what I am working on….
The piece above was repainted by a very talented artist I am proud to call a friend. There will be more about her and her work in a future post.
–Rebecca
You’ve Got a Friend
I have a friend who is going through a hard time right now. I always say that one of if not the most amazing things about the collecting community is its strength and ability to support its members. This friend is a doll collector and in the midst of the gauntlet she is walking right now, she still thought of others and helped out a few collector friends this week. Her grace and strength humbles me. My friend…this one is for you.
Models: Fascination Monogram, Breathless Veronique FR2,Sweet Smell of Success Veronique FR
Gowns: Illumination Monogram, Fine Romance Eugenia FR, Dressmaker Details After the Ball
Set: Suzy Goose Piano
Flame brush: http://firebug-stock.deviantart.com
Time for a Spring Fling…
…with Poppy Parker. As the light gets better in the Pacific Northwest of the US, it is imperative to take advantage of it. We had a few sun rays the other day so I had to grab my camera and a few models ready to show off some spring colors.
Model: Sweet in Switzerland Poppy Parker
Shirt, Skirt, belt and shoes: Fashion Royalty Spring Forward Eugenia
Hat: Barbie Basics hat that I refashioned into something completely different. {You have to imagine John Cleese saying that}.
Quick behind the scenes look
Presenting at the Oscars
I love watching the Oscars. Well…mostly I just like watching the red carpet and posting my picks and pans after. Last year I had a lot of fun and success with my “Getting ready for the Oscars” photo. See all the information about this photo here.
Mattel had just released this new wardrobe piece and I was anxious to use it. In my head, Barbie was getting ready to go to the Oscars as a possible recipient. Because she was one of the contenders for the gold statue, she needed to be in a drop dead gown. The story continued in my head that she went on to win the Oscar. That means that this year, she will be presenting the Oscar for the award she won last year.
Model: Barbie Basics®Model No. 01 — Collection 001
Gown: Miniature Couture by Mary
Jewelry: Fashion Royalty Monogram Completist accessory pack
Diorama: Wall panel was made my me. More info here. Clock was found in Paris and the beautifully painted bombé chest will be featured in a future blog post. More info coming. Floral arrangements in golden urns were made by me.
Now…I am really ready for the Oscars. Fashion review should be up on Monday.
The Hollywood Issue
I am a subscriber to Vanity Fair. Every year, before the Oscar’s, they have an issue called “The Hollywood Issue”. I am always impressed with the cover photography of these issues and never fail to feel inspired after viewing it. Last year, I was inspired to do my own cover and this is what I ended up with.
This year, I was inspired to try another one and Integrity Toys’ newly revamped Fashion Royalty products were my muses.
Models: “Evermore” Vanessa in her original outfit, Workshop Elise in Mattel Hervé Léger by Max Azria, “Bellissima” Natalia in her original outfit, “After Tonight” Eugenia in Mattel “Hollywood Cast Party”, “Baby It’s You” Chip, “Black Orchid” Vanessa in Bellissima Couture gown and Jakki Peters hat.
Now…are we all set for the Oscar’s? I think so. 
Hello 2014!
Ok, so the craziness is mostly over in our house. I don’t think I have entertained that much during the holidays in a very, very long time. Now the daunting task of taking down all the holiday décor is ahead of me. I did not think about that today though. Today, I grabbed my trusty point and shoot, one of my favorites from the Fashion Royalty convention and an outfit by a dear friend that I have been wanting to shoot since I got it.
Model: Interlude Monogram
Suit and hat: Bellissima Couture ( adorable little cameo was added by Hilda too )
Purse: Re-ment…..yes…it is absolutely true….Re-ment
Delphine Poppy
I had a few moments to shoot some photos before I left for convention so I have some new material to share. This particular Poppy has been a muse for me many times and I knew this shade of blue would look fabulous on her.
Model: The Happening Poppy parker
Gown: Delphine Silkstone Barbie
I am using a slightly different lighting formula on this one. I have been looking for a small spotlight that was inexpensive and easy to use. I found some really great mini spot lights with magnetic feet that snap right onto my photo tent…the problem was…they are LED lights and turn everything pretty much blue. How do I get a LED light to look like a warm soft box light? Easy…add a filter.
The only thing tinged blue on this shoot was la tour Eiffel behind Miss Poppy….and that was on purpose.
Flying By The Seat Of My Pants
I try to be an organized person…I really do. Usually I succeed but lately, I have just taken on WAY too many projects and unfortunately, the blog has suffered for it. My apologies to everyone who follows the blog for my unusually long absence these past couple of weeks. Hopefully, things will be a bit more orderly and consistent in the weeks ahead….but I can’t make any promises.
In the past month, I have started two new businesses and volunteered ( yes, volunteered…I know…I am stupid) my home for an large annual Holiday Walk. So, in the next month I will be decorating like a mad woman getting my house ready for roughly 1,200 visitors to walk through it. I must have been drunk when I agreed LOL! It is for charity and helps to support many good causes in our community so I can’t complain. I did volunteer.
Today, in a few hours, I will be flying south to the sunny streets of Los Angeles for the Integrity Toys Fashion Royalty Convention. I am soooooo excited.
The people at Integrity always know how to throw a party and as this year they are celebrating 10 years in business, it is sure to be something special. I will be updating my Flickr daily and hopefully blogging daily as well. Feel free to follow my Flickr feed by clicking on the Flickr button to the right.
I am going to try my best to post from convention but this year things will be a bit different as I am selling some things for the first time. One of the businesses I have recently opened is a miniature furniture line. The Fashion Royalty convention is the first time I will be showing these items and I will be selling at an event with the lovely and talented Hilda Westervelt of Bellissima Couture. If you are going to be at the convention, please stop by! We won’t have a room number until we check in later so check the boards by the registration desk for a pamphlet with the room number.
Information on how to purchase these furniture pieces will be forthcoming. Here are some more shots from the set of photos 
Note: Chandelier photoshop brush is from midnightstouch on deviantart.com. Thank you so much for letting me use your beautiful brushes!
Hot Pink Perfection
That is what I call this suit by my fabulous friend Hilda, designer and owner of Bellissima Couture. She makes the most exquisite 1/6 clothing and her creations never fail to inspire the photographer in me. Some of my all time favorite photos have resulted from shooting her work. One of my muses, Lilith with an updo, has been wearing this ensemble since it arrived a few months ago. It was time to pass my extra Silkstone Walking Suit outfit on to another fabulous artist and I realized I needed to take some photos of this smart looking lady before I sent the hat to another home.
Model and shoes: Restyled The Great Pretender Lilith, Integrity Toys NuFace collection
Suit: Bellissima Couture
Hat: Walking Suit Barbie® Doll
Poodle: Randall Craig
Song of the shoot:
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 